YOUNG GUN: Princeton University women’s hockey player Karlie Lund controls the puck in a game last season. Princeton will be looking for sophomore forward Lund, the 2015-16 ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Year and the Ivy League Rookie of the Year, to be an offensive force again this winter. The Tigers start their 2016-17 campaign by playing a two-game set at Providence on October 22-23. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Before the puck has even dropped for the 2016-17 season, the Princeton University women’s hockey team is turning heads. more

MAC ATTACK: Princeton University field hockey player Ryan McCarthy goes after the ball last Saturday against visiting Brown. Junior star McCarthy tallied a goal and an assist in the game as 11th-ranked Princeton defeated the Bears 5-1. A day later, McCarthy scored two goals as the Tigers rolled to an 8-0 win over Towson. Princeton, now 9-5 overall and 4-0 Ivy League, is next in action when it hosts Harvard (8-4 overall, 4-0 Ivy) in a game that will be pivotal in the race for the league title. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

It didn’t take long for the 11th-ranked Princeton University field hockey team to set the tone as it hosted Brown last Saturday in a critical Ivy League contest.

Just 1:21 into the game, Princeton senior star Cat Caro tallied off a penalty corner as the Tigers jumped into a 1-0 lead. After a second Caro goal, junior standout Ryan McCarthy assisted on a goal by Rachel Park and then found the back of the cage herself for a goal as the Tigers built a 4-0 halftime lead.

“We had a lot of energy, we were composed and we took control of the game,” said McCarthy in assessing Princeton’s first half performance. “We just had possession the whole time and were passing really well.”

Good passing helped McCarthy get on the score sheet. “It was a perfect pass from Carlotta (von Gierke); she saw me coming out and I circled around and saw Rachel in the right spot and she was there to put it in,” said McCarthy, a 5’4 native of Madison, N.J.

“My goal was another pass from Lotty, I just took it in, saw the net and shot it in.”

In the second half, Brown got one in to make it 4-1 but the Tigers responded with another tally by Caro to put the finishing touch on a 5-1 victory.

“We kind of lost our tempo and we took time out, regrouped and went back in and dominated the last 10 minutes,” said McCarthy.

McCarthy looks to keep the tempo up for the Princeton attack. “I am a forward so we run a lot; you build off of everybody’s energy,” said McCarthy.

“It starts from the defense to the midfield and then forward. I think it is a whole team effort that brings the energy.”

Having tallied seven goals and four assists in 2015, McCarthy has brought up her production, contributing 11 goals and four assists so far this season.

“The team has been giving me perfect balls, perfect passes, they are always in the right spot,” said McCarthy, who scored two goals in an 8-0 win over Towson last Sunday as the Tigers improved to 9-5 overall.

With Princeton in a good spot as it heads into the final weeks of the season, McCarthy credits the coaching staff with instilling cohesion on the field.

“The team has come together really well this year,” said McCarthy. “The new coaches (head coach Carla Tagliente and assistant Dina Rizzo) are a big part of that. They have really led the charge and got us going where we need to go this year.”

Princeton head coach Tagliente certainly liked the way her squad charged out of the gate in the win over Brown.

“Everything was real sharp, the defense was sharp and basic skills were clean,” said Tagliente.

“Everything was really clicking; it helps when you get a couple on the board. With this team, they are so athletic and when they can defend well and they do those simple things well, it really lends to what we can do on attack.”

Although the Tigers went through a brief lull in the second half when Brown scored to make it a 4-1 game, Princeton came on strong in the waning moments of the contest.

“We were defending on the back foot instead of the front foot, that is what is going to happen, you are going to get dinged,” said Tagliente, whose team improved to 4-0 in Ivy League play with the win over the Bears.

“We had a timeout and we talked a little about using the last 15 minutes and trying to get ready. I think we were just coasting at half a little bit but post-timeout, we had a lot of attack. I would like to see more drop but the goal was nice.”

It has been nice for Tagliente to see the production she is getting from senior star and co-captain Caro, who produced another hat trick in the win over Towson.

“I thought she had a good start; she has done that in a few games,” said Tagliente.

“She got on the board twice early and for her that is key. I think her confidence just rises from there. It is good to see her get three. She has earned it and deserved it. I think overall it was a great performance.”

McCarthy has been giving Princeton some great intensity. “Ryan just does all of the intangibles that you can’t really quantify,” said Tagliente.

“She plays with so much heart; she is a good player on top of it. She sees when the tempo and the energy isn’t there and she tries to change it and I think you saw that. In the last 15 minutes, probably 80 percent of the circle passes were traced to a pass from her or a defensive play from her.”

Princeton will be bringing plenty of energy to the field as it hosts Harvard (8-4 overall, 4-0 Ivy) on October 22 in a game that could decide the league title.

“The message we have been sending is clear, the gap isn’t closing, we are extending that gap and that is going to continue to be the focus,” said Tagliente, whose team has outscored its Ivy foes 18-1 in its first four league contests.

“I think the competitive level of these guys in practice and their demeanor has been great. Every Ivy game means so much and these guys have done a nice job to mentally stay in the moment and just play their game. They have done a great job of doing what we ask them to do and to trust in this process.”

McCarthy, for her part, is confident that the Tigers will keep in the moment as they battle the Crimson.

“We have been dominating most of the Ivy games,” said McCarthy. “It is just us and Harvard who are left undefeated so that is going to be a big game. It is just play our game; we know if we play our game then we can take control of the game and win.”

PAYNE KILLER: Princeton University men’s water polo player Matt Payne gets ready to fire the ball in recent action. Sophomore star Payne is leading the 9th-ranked Tigers with 40 goals and 37 assists as they have gotten off to a 13-7 start. Princeton is next in action on October 29 when it plays at Iona and St. Francis. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Over its first 20 games, the Princeton University men’s water polo team has shown flashes of brilliance interspersed with some untimely offensive lulls. more

LOVE STORY: Princeton University quarterback John Lovett carries the ball in recent action. Last Saturday, junior star Lovett rushed for three touchdowns and threw another to help Princeton defeat Georgetown 31-17. Lovett, who passed for 13 yards, rushed for 44, and made one reception for 17 yards, was later named the Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week for his heroics. The Tigers, now 3-1 overall and 1-0 Ivy, host Brown (1-3, 0-1 Ivy) on October 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

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BROWN OUT: Princeton University men’s soccer player Bryan Windsor goes after the ball in recent action. Last Saturday, senior midfielder Windsor and Princeton fell 1-0 to Brown, despite outshooting the Bears 21-10. The Tigers, who moved to 5-4-1 overall and 0-1-1 Ivy League with the defeat, play at Columbia on October 15 and at Georgetown on October 18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

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GETTING IT DONE: Princeton University women’s soccer player Jesse McDonough, left, marks a foe in 2015 action. Last Saturday, senior defender and team captain McDonough contributed an assist to help Princeton defeat Dartmouth 2-0. The Tigers, who improved to 8-1-1 overall and 1-0-1 Ivy League with the win, will resume league action on October 8 when they host Brown (5-2-3 overall, 1-1 Ivy). (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

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KAN DO: Princeton University quarterback Chad Kanoff prepares to unload a pass in recent action. Last Saturday at Columbia, senior star and tri-captain Kanoff completed 21-of-25 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns to help Princeton rout the Lion 48-13 in the Ivy League opener for both teams. The Tigers, now 2-1 overall and 1-0 Ivy, play at Georgetown (3-1) on October 8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

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FORWARD PROGRESS: Princeton University men’s soccer player Greg Seifert tracks down a ball in a game last season. Senior star Seifert, who was recently moved to forward from defense, tallied a goal and an assist to help Princeton defeat Fairleigh Dickinson 3-1 last Saturday for its fourth straight win. The Tigers, now 4-2, play at Villanova on September 28 before hosting Dartmouth on October 1 in the Ivy League opener for both teams.(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Greg Seifert distinguished himself as a dependable, rugged defender for the Princeton University men’s soccer team in his first three seasons with the program.

Seifert played in 43 games for Princeton from 2013-2015, making 23 starts, including 13 last season.

COOL CAT: Princeton University field hockey player Cat Caro controls the ball in a 2015 game. Last Saturday, senior star Caro scored two goals to help 13th-ranked Princeton defeat Dartmouth 4-0 in the Ivy League opener for both teams. A day later, Caro and the Tigers edged American 2-1 to improve to 5-3 overall. Princeton plays at Yale on October 1 and at No. 4 Penn State on October 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Cat Caro played her heart out for the Princeton University field hockey team as it fell 2-1 to powerful Maryland last week.

The senior midfielder/striker scored the lone goal for 13th-ranked Princeton against the 6th-ranked Terps and made her presence felt from end to end.

FAST TRACK: Princeton University football player Charlie Volker eludes a foe in recent action. Last Saturday at Lehigh, sophomore running back Volker, an Ivy League champion sprinter, rushed for a career-high 82 yards on 13 carries for three touchdowns but it wasn’t enough as Princeton fell 42-28 to the Mountain Hawks. The Tigers, now 1-1, will look to get back on the winning track when they play at Columbia on October 1 in the Ivy League opener for both teams.(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Playing at Lehigh last Saturday, the Princeton University football team’s offense was clicking, moving effectively on the ground and through the air.

GROUND AND POUND: Princeton University football player Joe Rhattigan carries the ball last Saturday in the season opener against visiting Lafayette. Senior running back and tri-captain Rhattigan rushed for a career-high 136 yards on 22 carries and three touchdowns to help Princeton defeat the Leopards 35-31. Princeton plays at Lehigh (1-2) on September 24. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Princeton University football head coach Bob Surace will tell you that senior running back and tri-captain Joe Rhattigan is the strong and silent type. more

FRESH APPROACH: Princeton University men’s soccer player Ben Martin controls the ball in recent action. Last Friday, freshman midfielder Martin tallied a goal and an assist as Princeton edged Boston University 2-1 to post its second straight win. Martin was later named the Ivy League Player of the Week and the Ivy League co-Rookie of the Week for his performance. The Tigers, who improved to 2-2 with the win, host Fairleigh Dickinson University on September 24. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

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SAFETY NET: Princeton University star senior safety and tri-captain Dorian Williams, center, poses with fellow captains, senior quarterback Chad Kanoff, left, and senior running back Joe Rhattigan. The trio of standouts will be looking to come up big when Princeton kicks off its 2016 campaign by hosting Lafayette on September 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

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FUN BUNCH: Members of the Princeton University football team enjoy a light moment as they posed for their team photo at the program’s recently-held media day during preseason camp. Princeton, which went 5-5 overall and 2-5 Ivy last fall, kicks off its 2016 campaign when it hosts Lafayette (1-1 in 2016) on September 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

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IN FORM: Princeton University women’s soccer player Natalie Larkin sends the ball upfield in recent action. Last Friday, junior defender/midfielder Larkin chipped in an assist as Princeton defeated Temple 3-0. Two days later, Larkin and her teammates rallied for a 2-1 overtime win at Monmouth as they improved to 6-0, the program’s best start since 2002, when the Tigers were 12-0. Princeton will look to keep on the winning track as it plays at No. 4 West Virginia (6-0-1) on September 16 and at Duquesne (2-2-2) on September 18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

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HARRY SITUATION: Princeton University men’s soccer player Harry Heffernan controls the ball last Thursday as Princeton hosted St. John’s in its home opener. Junior midfielder Heffernan scored 1:05 into the contest but it wasn’t enough as Princeton fell 3-1 in dropping to 0-2. The Tigers host Boston University on September 16 before playing at Drexel on September 20. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Coming off a tough 1-0 defeat at West Virginia to start its 2016 campaign, the Princeton University men’s soccer team was happy to be in the friendly confines of Roberts Stadium last Thursday evening for its home opener against St. John’s. more

REAR GUARD: Princeton University field hockey player Elise Wong guards the circle last Friday as 15th-ranked Princeton opened its season by hosting No. 1 North Carolina. Sophomore star Wong helped the Tiger defense hold the fort in a 2-1 loss to the Tar Heels. Two days later, Wong and Princeton topped Bucknell 5-2 to improve to 1-1 and earn their first win under new head coach Carla Tagliente. In upcoming action, the Tigers host No. 9 Albany on September 9 and No. 14 Delaware on September 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

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HOLDING THE FORT: Princeton University men’s soccer player Patrick Barba, left, goes after the ball in a game last fall. Last Saturday, senior defender and captain Barba helped Princeton hold the fort as it played two men down for most of the second half in a 1-0 loss at West Virginia (2-1) in its season opener. The Tigers will look to get on the winning track when they host St, John’s on September 8 in their season opener. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

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OPENING SALVO: Princeton University women’s soccer star Tyler Lussi, left, goes after the ball last Friday evening as Princeton hosted Fordham in its season opener. Senior star Lussi scored two goals and added an assist as the Tigers prevailed 3-1. Two days later, Princeton edged Villanova with a goal by Mimi Asom to improve to 2-0. The Tigers play at Delaware on September 2 and at Howard on September 4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

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ON THE BALL: Princeton University field hockey player Sophia Tornetta, left, chases down the ball in a game last fall. After a solid debut campaign that saw her tally seven goals and nine assists, sophomore striker Tornetta figures to be a go-to player for the Tigers this fall. Princeton opens its 2016 season by hosting North Carolina (1-1) on September 2 and Bucknell (1-0) on September 4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

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FITTING IN: Kerry Kittles, second from right, enjoys the moment with the other members of the Princeton University men’s basketball coaching staff, from left, head coach Mitch Henderson, assistant coach Brett MacConnell, Director of Basketball Operations Chris Monglia, and assistant Skye Ettin before a game on the team’s trip to Italy this August. Kittles, a former Villanova men’s basketball and NBA star, joined the Princeton staff in May as he makes his coaching debut. (Photo Courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

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BOOT CAMP: Princeton University men’s soccer player Greg Seifert boots the ball in action last fall. Senior defender Seifert provides experience and athleticism to the Tiger back line. Princeton opens it 2016 campaign on September 3 when it plays at West Virginia (1-1). (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

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BURSTING ON THE SCENE: Princeton University women’s soccer player Mimi Asom, left, goes after a ball in 2015 action. Asom made quite a debut last fall, scoring 12 goals and four assists to help Princeton win the Ivy League title as it went 14-4-1 overall and 6-0-1 in conference play. Asom was named the Ivy Rookie of the Year and a second-team All Ivy selection. The Tigers open their 2016 campaign this weekend by hosting Fordham on August 26 and Villanova on August 28. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

As Sean Driscoll took the helm of the Princeton University women’s soccer team last fall, he could not have scripted a much better debut season. more

SOLID GOLD: Star goalie Ashleigh Johnson handles the ball in action for the Princeton University women’s water polo team. Last Friday, rising Princeton senior Johnson helped the U.S. top Italy 12-5 in the gold medal match at the 2016 summer Olympics. Johnson, who made nine saves in the win, was named the outstanding goalie of the tournament. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Nelson Diebel ’96 was the last Princeton University athlete to prevail in the pool at the Olympics when he earned two golds in swimming at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Games. more